By: Yolanda Pawar
One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF), in partnership with The Farm at CTI and the Cotton Bay Fund, is excited to announce “The Eleuthera Farmers Seedling Program.” This new agriculture initiative is being deployed to support local farmers and strengthen Eleuthera’s farming industry by providing ten thousand high-quality tomato and sweet pepper seedlings to Eleuthera’s farmers free of charge for planting and observation. Seedling distribution is scheduled for early November, and interested farmers are invited to email thefarm@oneeleuthera.org to participate in the program.
Addressing Local Needs
OEF’s Eleuthera Farmers Seedling Program aims to address key challenges faced by farmers in Eleuthera, including limited access to disease-resistant seeds, high costs of planting materials, and the need for practical and sustainable farming practices that can improve crop quality and yields. “Farmers often struggle to grow seedlings during the harsh conditions of September and October, resulting in weaker plants and lower crop yields,” explains Tim Hauber, Agriculture Consultant at CTI. “Through this initiative, The Farm @ CTI will utilize its state-of-the-art Oasis Grow House and propagation facilities to produce 5,000 Tomato and 5,000 Sweet Pepper seedlings optimized for Eleuthera’s climate and soil.”
In early November, local distribution will begin. Farmers will receive trays of seedlings at no cost, allowing them to test these new plant varieties throughout the upcoming growing season. In return, farmers will be asked to provide feedback on the performance of these plants, which will help to refine future agricultural practices on the island. “Findings from the trial will be shared across the farming community to ensure that all farmers in Eleuthera can benefit from the insights gained,” cites Hauber.
The tomato plant variety selected for these trials is recognized for its ability to produce large fruits, along with its heat tolerance and resistance to the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus, a significant issue in Eleuthera and The Bahamas, typically spread by whiteflies. Additionally, this variety is resistant to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, various fungal
diseases, and nematodes. The Sweet Pepper seedlings used in the program are known for their resistance to Black Leaf Spot Disease and have demonstrated high yields, particularly in the Caribbean and the Southeastern United States.
Supporting Farmers and Strengthening Communities
“This project is about more than just providing free seedlings,” explains Keyron Smith, President and CEO of OEF and CTI. “It is about actively supporting our local farming community by leveraging our resources and technical skills to produce better outcomes, increase local production and profitability, and build collaborative pathways to food security and self-reliance for Eleutherans.”
With a focus on sustainable agriculture, the OEF Eleuthera Farmers Seedling Program further aims to reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, helping to protect the environment and enhance community health. These robust seedlings are anticipated to result in stronger, more resilient plants and greater harvests in the coming months. Additionally, the program will improve the bottom line and increase the income-generating potential for local farmers. The data collected from participating farmers will be pivotal in guiding future propagation and seedling distribution efforts by the CTI farm team.
This agriculture initiative aligns closely with OEF’s mission to improve community health, invest in the advancement of local farmers, and increase local food security. By empowering farmers with the resources and knowledge they need, OEF continues to strengthen the agricultural sector, stimulate the local economy, and contribute to the overall sustainable development of Eleuthera’s communities and industries.
